QnA Final -Rev. 1.pdf

SOF AT&L Innovative Technology and Agile Acquisition

Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) CALL CSO003 PEO Maritime, Special Operations Forces Combat Diving Development

Question & Answer Template

Question Page & Section Questions/Comments

Q01 P. 2-4 Sec. 3.0

Q: Can you please confirm that a 5 page white paper focused specifically on the Life Support Systems (Section 4.3) and Maritime Environmental Protection (Section 4.2) requirements, with explicit disclosure of sections outside the submission’s scope per the Section 3.0 SHALL clause, constitutes a compliant and responsive submission under CSO003

A: A white paper focused on Sections 4.2 and 4.3 and is compliant with the 5-page mandatory page limit and submission guidelines outlined in CSO003 will be accepted. Explicitly disclosing sections outside of the submission’s scope of Section

3.0 requirement to clearly identify your solution's specific technical capabilities is acceptable.

Q02 P.XX

Sec. X.X

Q: Is it okay if we submit individual white papers/PowerPoints for each of them?

A: Yes, Section 4.3.5 of the CSO states that multiple white papers addressing different topic areas may be submitted by the same organization. However, each white paper must focus on a single concept, so submitting individual papers for each distinct solution is the appropriate method.

Q03 P.XX

Sec. X.X

Q: What should we do for any new products we have in our development pipeline that are not yet commercially available, but could be of great interest specific to the theme of this CSO? Will there be an avenue for OTA development funding to support collaborative efforts through this CSO?

A: Offeror shall present any products in your development pipeline as "Nondevelopmental Items" (NDI) within your white paper. Section 4.4.2 of the CSO specifically asks offerors to identify if their solution is an NDI and to provide a suggested path and timeline to mature the solution for the operational environment.

Regarding the second point, you are correct; the CSO confirms that Other Transaction Authority (OTA) awards are a potential outcome for funding prototype projects. Section 5.2 states that awards may be OTAs under 10 U.S.C 4022 for Prototype Projects, which can include the development, adaptation, or modification of new technologies as described in your white paper.

Q04 Q: Specific PEO Maritime priority capability gaps currently open under CSO003 (e.g., rebreather endurance, thermal protection, navigation, gas management).

A: In an UNCLASS setting we cannot delve deeper than what was listed in the CSO call.

Q05 Q: Expected award vehicle (OTA, FAR-based, prototype contract) and typical award size range.

A: Expected award vehicle is not yet determined; Award size is to be determined.

Q06 Q: Required TRL at submission and the path PEO Maritime expects from prototype to fielded capability.

A: TRLs may be 6+. Prototyping efforts will include Government evaluation testing which may result in changes or modifications to prototypes. Additional prototypes may be required that encompass Government required changes or modifications and will undergo follow-on Government testing.

Upon satisfactorily completing Operational Test and Evaluation, equipment may move into the production and deployment phase where assets may be fielded to the fleet.

Q07 Q: Whether unsolicited concepts outside the published focus areas remain in scope.

A: White papers should focus on the AOI highlighted in the Call.

Q08 A: Any restrictions on foreign-sourced components for diver life support hardware.

Q: Because it has not yet been determined what kind of vehicles will be used, the Government cannot make a determination on this.